U.S. Department of Agriculture Ohio Rural Development State Director David L. Hall today announced rural Ohioans will benefit from more than $16 million supporting 33 Community Facilities projects statewide.
“At Rural Development, we like to say we ‘build communities from the ground up,’ and these infrastructure investments are designed to do just that,” said Hall. “Ohio’s villages, townships and first responder organizations represent our most grassroots connection to rural citizens. We’re proud to partner with them in service to rural Ohioans, whether in support of a multi-million dollar building expansion, or on a modest – but no less important – purchase of road maintenance equipment that helps keep Ohio drivers safe.
“Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA continues to be a strong partner to rural communities, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
Here are a few Ohio examples:
- Delaware County-based Elm Valley Joint Fire District will use its combined $460,000 loan and grant to purchase a new fire truck. The district averages 360 emergency calls a year in service to the citizens of Ashley and Oxford Townships in Delaware County, and Peru and Westfield Townships in Morrow County. Previous collaborations between USDA Rural Development and Elm Valley JFD include more than $1.9 million in loan and grant assistance to build a new firehouse and purchase a fire engine.
- In Sandusky County, Birchard Public Library will use its combined $3,645,000 loan and grant to help finance the expansion of its Fremont-based headquarters. A companion grant is funding the purchase of equipment, including technology upgrades, in support of library branches located in the villages of Gibsonburg, Green Springs, and Woodville. Beginning with land bequeathed by his uncle, Sardis Birchard, along with 5,000 books procured by President Rutherford B. Hayes, the historic Birchard Public Library has served the people of Sandusky County since 1874.
- In Portage County, Brimfield Township will use its $8.5 million loan to renovate and expand the Brimfield Township Fire Department. In operation for more than 50 years, the department has grown from an all-volunteer force to a full-time brigade that serves about 15,000 residents in and around the northeast Ohio region. The structure will expand to include offices, sleeping areas, and additional vehicle bays.
In addition to Ohio, today’s announcement includes Community Facilities investments totaling $871 million in 43 states and Guam that will positively impact about 3.5 million rural Americans.
More than 100 types of projects are eligible for Community Facilities funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally-recognized Tribes. Projects must be in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or fewer.
Interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development state office for information about additional funding, application procedures and eligibility details. Also see the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program Guidance Book for Applicants (PDF, 669 KB), a detailed overview of the application process.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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